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Patel EU, Grieb SM, Winiker AK, Ching J, Schluth CG, Mehta SH, Kirk GD, Genberg BL. Structural and social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on engagement in substance use disorder treatment services: a qualitative study among people with a recent history of injection drug use in Baltimore, Maryland. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:91. [PMID: 38720307 PMCID: PMC11077846 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services are critical for achieving and maintaining recovery. There are limited data on how structural and social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individual-level experiences with substance use disorder treatment-related services among community-based samples of people who inject drugs. METHODS People with a recent history of injection drug use who were enrolled in the community-based AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience study in Baltimore, Maryland participated in a one-time, semi-structured interview between July 2021 and February 2022 about their experiences living through the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 28). An iterative inductive coding process was used to identify themes describing how structural and social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected participants' experiences with substance use disorder treatment-related services. RESULTS The median age of participants was 54 years (range = 24-73); 10 (36%) participants were female, 16 (57%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 8 (29%) were living with HIV. We identified several structural and social changes due the pandemic that acted as barriers and facilitators to individual-level engagement in treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and recovery support services (e.g., support group meetings). New take-home methadone flexibility policies temporarily facilitated engagement in MOUD treatment, but other pre-existing rigid policies and practices (e.g., zero-tolerance) were counteracting barriers. Changes in the illicit drug market were both a facilitator and barrier to MOUD treatment. Decreased availability and pandemic-related adaptations to in-person services were a barrier to recovery support services. While telehealth expansion facilitated engagement in recovery support group meetings for some participants, other participants faced digital and technological barriers. These changes in service provision also led to diminished perceived quality of both virtual and in-person recovery support group meetings. However, a facilitator of recovery support was increased accessibility of individual service providers (e.g., counselors and Sponsors). CONCLUSIONS Structural and social changes across several socioecological levels created new barriers and facilitators of individual-level engagement in substance use disorder treatment-related services. Multilevel interventions are needed to improve access to and engagement in high-quality substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services among people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshan U Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Suzanne M Grieb
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Abigail K Winiker
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Ching
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Catherine G Schluth
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Jones BLH, Geier M, Neuhaus J, Coffin PO, Snyder HR, Soran CS, Knight KR, Suen LW. Withdrawal during outpatient low dose buprenorphine initiation in people who use fentanyl: a retrospective cohort study. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:80. [PMID: 38594721 PMCID: PMC11005253 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD); however, buprenorphine initiation can be complicated by withdrawal symptoms including precipitated withdrawal. There has been increasing interest in using low dose initiation (LDI) strategies to reduce this withdrawal risk. As there are limited data on withdrawal symptoms during LDI, we characterize withdrawal symptoms in people with daily fentanyl use who underwent initiation using these strategies as outpatients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with OUD using daily fentanyl who were prescribed 7-day or 4-day LDI at 2 substance use disorder treatment clinics in San Francisco. Two addiction medicine experts assessed extracted chart documentation for withdrawal severity and precipitated withdrawal, defined as acute worsening of withdrawal symptoms immediately after taking buprenorphine. A third expert adjudicated disagreements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS There were 175 initiations in 126 patients. The mean age was 37 (SD 10 years). 71% were men, 26% women, and 2% non-binary. 21% identified as Black, 16% Latine, and 52% white. 60% were unstably housed and 75% had Medicaid insurance. Substance co-use included 74% who used amphetamines, 29% cocaine, 22% benzodiazepines, and 19% alcohol. Follow up was available for 118 (67%) initiations. There was deviation from protocol instructions in 22% of these initiations with follow up. 31% had any withdrawal, including 21% with mild symptoms, 8% moderate and 2% severe. Precipitated withdrawal occurred in 10 cases, or 8% of initiations with follow up. Of these, 7 had deviation from protocol instructions; thus, there were 3 cases with follow up (3%) in which precipitated withdrawal occurred without protocol deviation. CONCLUSIONS Withdrawal was relatively common in our cohort but was mostly mild, and precipitated withdrawal was rare. Deviation from instructions, structural barriers, and varying fentanyl use characteristics may contribute to withdrawal. Clinicians should counsel patients who use fentanyl that mild withdrawal symptoms are likely during LDI, and there is still a low risk for precipitated withdrawal. Future studies should compare withdrawal across initiation types, seek ways to support patients in initiating buprenorphine, and qualitatively elicit patients' withdrawal experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L H Jones
- Medical Student Center, UCSF School of Medicine, 533 Parnassus Avenue, S-245, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Michelle Geier
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
| | - John Neuhaus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Phillip O Coffin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Hannah R Snyder
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Christine S Soran
- Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
- Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Kelly R Knight
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Leslie W Suen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
- Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
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Pierlorenzi C, Nunzi M, Cirulli S, Direnzo GFM, Curatella L, Liberatori S, Pascucci A, Petrone E, Ventre G, Varango C, Pulito ML, Varango A, Dandolo C, Occupati B, Marenzi R, Leonardi C. Patients' perspectives on buprenorphine subcutaneous implant: a case series. J Med Case Rep 2024; 18:202. [PMID: 38581074 PMCID: PMC10998295 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the enormous burden represented by the opioid use disorder (OUD), it is important to always consider, when implementing opioid agonist therapy (OAT), the potential impact on patient's adherence, quality of life, and detoxification. Thus, the purpose of the study is to evaluate how the introduction of a novel OAT approach influences these key factors in the management of OUD. CASE PRESENTATION This article marks the pioneering use of OAT through buprenorphine implant in Europe and delves into the experience of six patients diagnosed with OUD at a relatively young age. The patients, comprising both males and a female, are of Caucasian Italian and African Italian ancestry (case 4) and exhibit an age range from 23 to 63, with an average drug abuse history of 19 ± 12 years. All patients were on stable traditional OAT before transitioning to buprenorphine implants. Despite the heterogeneity in social and educational backgrounds, health status, and drug abuse initiation histories, the case series reveals consistent positive treatment outcomes such as detoxification, absence of withdrawal symptoms and of side effects. Notably, all patients reported experiencing a newfound sense of freedom and improved quality of life. CONCLUSIONS These results emphasise the promising impact of OAT via buprenorphine implants in enhancing the well-being and quality of life in the context of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Nunzi
- UOS Patologie da Dipendenza D9 ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edoardo Petrone
- UOS Terapia del Dolore ASL Roma 2 Ospedale S. Eugenio, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Cosimo Dandolo
- Servizio Dipendenze Casalpusterlengo, ASST Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Brunella Occupati
- Tossicologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Marenzi
- ASST Papa Giovanni XXII, Ospedale Di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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Lakkadghatwala R, Lane D, Scheuermeyer F, Hilburt J, Buxton J, Johnson C, Nolan S, Sutherland C, Moe J, Daoust R, Dong K, Christenson J, Miles I, Orkin A, Whyte M, Kestler A. An emergency-department-initiated outreach program for patients with opioid use disorder is associated with an increase in agonist therapy and engagement in addictions care: a one-year cohort study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:14. [PMID: 38383467 PMCID: PMC10880351 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with opioid use disorder (OUD) are high-risk for short-term mortality and morbidity. Emergency department (ED) interventions can reduce those risks, but benefits wane without ongoing community follow-up. OBJECTIVE To evaluate an ED-based intensive community outreach program. METHODS At two urban EDs between October 2019 and March 2020, we enrolled patients with OUD not currently on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in a prospective cohort study evaluating a one-year intensive community outreach program, which provided ongoing addictions care, housing resources, and community support. We surveyed patients at intake and at scheduled outreach encounters at one, two, six, and twelve months. Follow-up surveys assessed OAT uptake, addictions care engagement, housing status, quality of life scores, illicit opioid use, and outreach helpfulness. We used descriptive statistics for each period and conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses to account for missing data. RESULTS Of 84 baseline participants, 29% were female and 32% were housed, with a median age of 33. Sixty participants (71%) completed at least one follow-up survey. Survey completion rates were 37%, 38%, 39%, and 40% respectively at one, two, six, and twelve months. Participants had a median of three outreach encounters. Among respondents, OAT was 0% at enrolment and ranged from 38% to 56% at follow-up; addictions care engagement was 22% at enrolment and ranged from 65% to 81% during follow-up; and housing was 40% at enrolment and ranged from 48% to 59% during follow-up. Improvements from baseline to follow-up occurred for all time periods. OAT and engagement in care benefits were maintained in sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Respondents rated the outreach program as helpful at all time periods, CONCLUSION: An ED-initiated intensive outreach program for patients with OUD not yet on OAT was associated with a persistent increase in OAT use and engagement in care, as well as housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukaiyah Lakkadghatwala
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Surrey Memorial Hospital & Richmond Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Daniel Lane
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Frank Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine & St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jesse Hilburt
- Vancouver Coastal Health Overdose Outreach Team & St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jane Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health & BC Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cheyenne Johnson
- BC Centre on Substance Use & University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Seonaid Nolan
- Department of Medicine & BC Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christy Sutherland
- Department of Family Practice, PHS Community Services Society & BC Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jessica Moe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, BC Centre for Disease Control & Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Raoul Daoust
- Département Médecine de Famille Et Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal & CIUSSS Nord-de-L'ile, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kathryn Dong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jim Christenson
- Department of Emergency Medicine & St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Isabelle Miles
- Department of Emergency Medicine & St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Aaron Orkin
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Inner City Health Associates Toronto & St. Joseph's Health Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Kestler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Centre on Substance Use & St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Uebelacker LA, Braun TD, Taylor LE, Saper R, Baldwi M, Abrantes A, Tremont G, Toribio A, Kirshy S, Koch R, Lorin L, Van Noppen D, Anderson B, Roseen EJ, Stein MD. Evaluation of intervention components to maximize yoga practice among people with chronic pain taking opioid agonist therapy: A factorial experiment using the multiphase optimization strategy framework. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 137:107411. [PMID: 38103784 PMCID: PMC10922864 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain affects up to half of individuals taking opioid agonist therapy (OAT; i.e., methadone and buprenorphine) for opioid use disorder (OUD), and yoga-based interventions may be useful for decreasing pain-related disability. Whereas more yoga practice (i.e., higher "dosage") may improve pain-related outcomes, it can be challenging for people with chronic pain taking OAT to attend class regularly and sustain a regular personal yoga practice. Therefore, we plan to optimize a yoga-based intervention (YBI) package in order to support class attendance and personal practice, thus maximizing the yoga dose received. STUDY DESIGN Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework, we will conduct a factorial experiment to examine four intervention components that may be added to a weekly yoga class as part of a YBI. Components include: 1) personal practice videos featuring study yoga teachers, 2) two private sessions with a yoga teacher, 3) daily text messages to inspire personal practice, and 4) monetary incentives for class attendance. The primary outcome will be minutes per week engaged in yoga (including class attendance and personal practice). We plan to enroll 192 adults with chronic pain who are taking OAT for OUD in this 2x2x2x2 factorial experiment. CONCLUSION Results of the study will guide development of an optimized yoga-based intervention package that maximizes dosage of yoga received. The final treatment package can be tested in a multisite efficacy trial of yoga to reduce pain interference in daily functioning in people with chronic pain who are taking OAT. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pre-registration of the study was completed on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04641221).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Uebelacker
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America.
| | - Tosca D Braun
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America.
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States of America
| | - Robert Saper
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Marielle Baldwi
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedision School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ana Abrantes
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey Tremont
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America; The Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Alisha Toribio
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedision School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Shannon Kirshy
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Ryan Koch
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Lucy Lorin
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedision School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Eric J Roseen
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedision School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Stuikyte R, Varentsov I, Cook C, Dvoriak S. Measuring sustainability of opioid agonist therapy programs in the context of transition from global fund support. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:7. [PMID: 38212809 PMCID: PMC10785371 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00931-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmatic and financial sustainability of health responses dependent on donor funding has risen as a major concern. In the HIV field in particular, it generated a number of instruments and assessments on sustainability and processes related to donor transition planning. The authors aimed to develop an instrument specific to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) programs as they were addressed only marginally by the HIV-specific assessments. METHODS The development of the OAT sustainability instrument used desk review of existing HIV sustainability concepts and tools, an International Advisory Board, and piloting to validate the instrument. RESULTS The new OAT sustainability instrument is comprised of the three parts: the conceptual framework, methodological guidelines and a practical implementation tool for assessing the degree of OAT sustainability at the country level. It measures sustainability in the three broad areas for sustainability measuring-Policy & Governance; Finance & Resources; and Services. The selection of indicators and their composites for the three sustainability areas extensively used the United Nations and World Health Organization's guidance on health system building blocks, on care and HIV and viral hepatitis prevention among people using opioids and for opioid dependence, and the definition of access to health framed by the United Nations Convent on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The instrument's methodological guidelines require the engagement of a national consultant to conduct desk review, key informant interviews and focus groups for measuring discrete milestones and adding qualitative information for interpretation of the data, progress and opportunities. The guidelines advise engaging a country-specific multi-stakeholder advisory group for planning, validation and follow-up of the assessment. The pilot of the instrument in 3 countries in 2020 validated it and required minor adjustments in the instrument. By mid-2023, the instrument has been successfully applied in 5 countries. CONCLUSIONS The developed instrument enables a comprehensive review of the resilience of OAT programs and their ability to scale up and to inform a roadmap for improved sustainability. While developed in the context of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, it has been reviewed by a global advisory panel and could be easily adapted outside this regional context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivan Varentsov
- Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA), Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Sergii Dvoriak
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Zelenev A, Michael L, Li J, Altice FL. Social networks, secondary syringe exchange, and opioid agonist therapy retention among people who inject drugs in Hartford, CT. Int J Drug Policy 2024; 123:104250. [PMID: 38088004 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist therapies (OAT) and harm reduction such as syringe service programs (SSP) have been shown to be effective in preventing adverse outcomes such as overdose deaths, HIV and Hepatitis C infections among people who inject drugs (PWID). The importance of social network influence on disease transmission is well established, yet the interplay between harm reduction and network structures is, generally, not well understood. This study aims to analyze how social networks can mediate the harm reduction effects associated with secondary exchange through syringe service programs (SSP) and opioid agonist therapies (OAT) among injection network members. METHODS Sociometric data on networks on people who inject drugs from Hartford, CT, which were collected in 2012-2013, provided assessment of risk behaviors among 1574 injection network members, including participation in OAT and SSP. Subject's network characteristics were examined in relation to retention in OAT, as well as secondary syringe exchange using exponential random graph model (ERGM) and regression. RESULTS Based on the analysis, we found that probability of individuals being retained in OAT was positively associated with the OAT retention status of their peers within the network. Using simulations, we found that higher levels of positive correlation of OAT retention among network members can result in reduced risk of transmission of HIV to network partners on OAT. In addition, we found that secondary syringe exchange engagement was associated with higher probability of sharing of paraphernalia and unsterile needles at the network level. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how networks mediate risk behaviors is crucial for making progress toward ending the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Zelenev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine. 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Laura Michael
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine. 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jianghong Li
- Institute for Community Research, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine. 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Yazdani K, Dolguikh K, Ye M, Trigg J, Joe R, Emerson SD, Montaner JS, Barrios R, Salters K. Characterizing opioid agonist therapy uptake and factors associated with treatment retention among people with HIV in British Columbia, Canada. Prev Med Rep 2023; 35:102305. [PMID: 37519440 PMCID: PMC10382920 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Accidental overdoses are now the leading cause of death among people with HIV (PWH) in British Columbia (BC). We examined the utilization and retention of opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Adult PWH (≥19 years) with ≥ 1 OAT dispensation in BC between 2008 and 2020 were included (n = 1,515). OAT treatment episodes were formed based on specific criteria for slow-release oral morphine (SROM), methadone, injectable OAT (iOAT), and buprenorphine/naloxone. Retention in treatment was defined as any episode lasting ≥ 12 months. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations modeled retention-associated factors. There was a 56.6% decline in OAT retention over time. Buprenorphine treatment exhibited significantly lower odds of retention (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36-0.92) compared to methadone. Conversely, no significant change in retention odds was observed for SROM (0.72; 0.33-1.54) and iOAT (0.81; 0.31-2.12). Factors associated with increased odds of retention included a 10-year increase in age (1.69; 1.46-1.95), previous retention history (1.96; 1.40-2.73), achieving OAT therapeutic dose (8.22; 6.67-10.14), and suppressed HIV viral load (1.35; 1.10-1.67). Individuals with a lifetime HCV diagnosis receiving iOAT were more likely to retain (3.61; 1.20-10.83). Each additional year on OAT during the study period was associated with a 4% increase in the odds of retention. A significant proportion of PWH had a history of OAT prescribing but experienced low retention rates. Retention outcomes were more positive for SROM and iOAT. The association between OAT medication type and retention odds may be particularly influenced by HCV diagnosis. Optimal management of opioid use disorder among PWH, with an emphasis on attaining the therapeutic dose is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Yazdani
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katerina Dolguikh
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Monica Ye
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason Trigg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ronald Joe
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Scott D. Emerson
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julio S.G. Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rolando Barrios
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kate Salters
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Panwala V, Joudrey P, Kowalski M, Bach P, Amram O. Changes to methadone maintenance therapy in the United States, Canada, and Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2023; 152:209086. [PMID: 37270103 PMCID: PMC10232933 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across the world made adaptations to policies regulating the provision of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) to facilitate social distancing for health care providers and people in treatment. Many countries issued guidance about increasing take-home methadone doses after the onset of the pandemic. METHODS In this review, we compare the regulation of MMT prior to the pandemic in the United States, Canada, and Australia, analyze changes to treatment policy in the context of COVID-19, and review emerging data on treatment outcomes. RESULTS The United States only permits the prescription and disbursement of methadone for MMT treatment at federally designated opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Conversely, Australia and Canada operate on a community pharmacy-based distribution model, where patients can access methadone doses either in participating pharmacies or in some methadone clinics. CONCLUSION Given reports of similar treatment outcomes and increased patient satisfaction since the pandemic-related policy changes, some changes including increased receipt of take-home doses should be considered for incorporation into post-pandemic treatment policies and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Panwala
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Paul Joudrey
- Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Melanie Kowalski
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paxton Bach
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ofer Amram
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA; Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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10
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Cui Z, Hayashi K, Bach P, Milloy MJ, Kerr T. Crystal methamphetamine use and methadone maintenance treatment dissatisfaction: A prospective cohort study in Vancouver, Canada. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2023; 151:208956. [PMID: 36804867 PMCID: PMC10810610 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient satisfaction is key to the success of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and yet how MMT satisfaction is affected by the increasingly common use of crystal methamphetamine among people receiving opioid treatment remains poorly understood. We aimed to assess the association between crystal methamphetamine use and MMT dissatisfaction. METHODS We employed generalized estimating equations to examine the relationship between crystal methamphetamine use and MMT dissatisfaction among patients receiving MMT within two prospective cohorts in Vancouver, Canada, between December 2016 and March 2020. RESULTS Of the 836 participants receiving MMT, the median age was 47 years, and 55.3 % self-identified as male at baseline. In a multivariable model, those reporting more than weekly crystal methamphetamine use were more likely to report MMT dissatisfaction (Odds ratio: 1.40, 95 % confidence interval: 1.05-1.86) compared to those reporting less than monthly crystal methamphetamine use. CONCLUSIONS Among our sample of people receiving MMT, we noted a positive association of frequent crystal methamphetamine use with MMT dissatisfaction. Our study suggests a need for novel strategies to better understand and address frequent methamphetamine use among those receiving MMT, particularly given recent shifts in substance use patterns involving the rising co-use of methamphetamines and opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishan Cui
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, BC, Canada
| | - Paxton Bach
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - M J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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11
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Hard B, DeSilva M. Evaluating the feasibility of prolonged-release buprenorphine formulations as an alternative to daily opioid agonist therapy regardless of prior treatment adherence: a pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:113. [PMID: 37403145 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective opioid agonist therapy (OAT) depends on good patient adherence. However, the daily, supervised administration of standard OAT represents a significant burden to patients and often drives poor adherence. Prolonged-release buprenorphine (PRB) formulations may mitigate some of this burden, enabling clinic visits to be substantially reduced. For treatment guidelines to be effective, the likely benefit of a transition to PRB therapy in different patient populations must be established. METHODS The aim was to determine the feasibility of assessing PRB as an alternative to daily OAT in two groups: those currently adhering well to daily OAT (group 1, N = 5) and those not currently showing adherence or a positive response to daily OAT (group 2, N = 10). This open-label, prospective, non-controlled pilot study was conducted at the Kaleidoscope Drug Project in South Wales, UK. Participants were assessed for history, drug use, psychosocial assessment scores, and clinical severity at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Primary outcomes were the feasibility of assessing PRB as an alternative to daily OAT and the acceptability of PRB therapy in each group. Secondary outcomes were treatment response, on-top drug use, psychosocial measures, and assessment of clinical severity. RESULTS Participants from both groups demonstrated high levels of participation with assessment protocols at both baseline and 6-month follow-up, indicating study feasibility. PRB treatment was acceptable to the majority of participants, with all of group 1 and 70% of group 2 adhering to PRB therapy for the duration of the study and opting to persist with PRB therapy over other OAT options after study completion. All participants who remained on treatment demonstrated marked improvements in psychosocial and clinical severity assessment scores, with some returning to employment or education. On-top drug use remained absent in group 1 and was reduced in group 2. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of transition of participants from daily OAT to PRB therapy was shown to be feasible, acceptable, and effective across both groups. A larger randomised controlled trial is warranted, particularly to assess PRB therapy in participants with a history of poor treatment engagement, as the need for therapy is greater in this group and their management is associated with higher costs of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Hard
- Kaleidoscope Drug Project, Resolven House, St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Rd Cardiff, Wales, CF3 0EY, UK.
| | - Mohan DeSilva
- Kaleidoscope Drug Project, Resolven House, St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Rd Cardiff, Wales, CF3 0EY, UK
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Nunn R, Sylvestre A, Sequeira K, Tanzini RM. Buprenorphine/naloxone micro-induction in a tertiary care hospital: a retrospective cohort analysis. J Addict Dis 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37394486 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2229609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the use of buprenorphine/naloxone micro-inductions in hospitalized patients and characterize the success rate of these inductions. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients receiving a buprenorphine/naloxone micro-induction for opioid use disorder in a tertiary care hospital from Jan 2020-Dec 2020. The primary outcome was a description of the micro-induction prescribing patterns used. The secondary outcomes were a description of the demographic characteristics of patients, the estimated frequency of withdrawal symptoms experienced by patients undergoing a micro-induction, and the overall success rate of the micro-inductions defined as retention on buprenorphine/naloxone therapy with no precipitated withdrawal experienced. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were included in the analysis. Three main micro-induction regimens were identified, including rapid micro-inductions (8 patients), 0.5 mg SL BID initiations (6 patients), and 0.5 mg SL daily initiations (19 patients). Twenty-four patients (73%) met the criteria for a successful micro-induction, defined as being retained in buprenorphine/naloxone therapy with no precipitated withdrawal experienced. The most common reason for micro-induction failure was patient request to discontinue buprenorphine/naloxone therapy due to perceived adverse effects or personal preference. CONCLUSION Buprenorphine/naloxone micro-induction in hospitalized patients resulted in a majority of patients being successfully initiated on buprenorphine/naloxone therapy without requiring opioid abstinence prior to induction. Dosing regimens were variable, and the ideal regimen remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Nunn
- St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Sylvestre
- St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Sequeira
- St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Mocanu V, Bozinoff N, Wood E, Jutras-Aswad D, Le Foll B, Lim R, Cheol Choi J, Yin Mok W, Eugenia Socias M. Opioid agonist therapy switching among individuals with prescription-type opioid use disorder: Secondary analysis of a pragmatic randomized trial. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109932. [PMID: 37224674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engagement and retention in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) remains a challenge. This study evaluated the impact of initial randomized OAT allocation on subsequent switching among people with prescription-type opioid use disorder (POUD). METHODS Secondary analysis of a 24-week Canadian multicenter, pragmatic, randomized trial conducted between 2017 and 2020 comparing flexible take-home buprenorphine/naloxone versus supervised methadone models of care for POUD. We used Cox Proportional Hazards modeling to assess for impact of treatment assignment on time to OAT switching, adjusting for important confounders. For clinical correlates, we analyzed data from baseline questionnaires on demographic, substance use, and health factors as well as urine drug screen. RESULTS Of 272 randomized participants, 210 initiated OAT within 14 days per trial protocol, of whom 103 participants were randomized to buprenorphine/naloxone and 107 to methadone. Within 24-week follow-up, 41 (20.5%) of all participants switched OAT with 25 (24.3%, median 27 days, 88.4 per 100 person-years) and 16 participants (15.0%, median 53.5 days, 46.1 per 100 person-years) switching from buprenorphine/naloxone and methadone arms, respectively. In adjusted analysis, allocation to buprenorphine/naloxone was associated with significantly higher risk of switching (aHR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.22 - 4.38). CONCLUSIONS OAT switching was common in this sample of individuals with POUD, with individuals randomly allocated to buprenorphine/naloxone being more than twice as likely to switch versus methadone. This may reflect a stepped care approach in OUD management. More research is needed to evaluate overall retention and outcomes with the different observed risks of switching between methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mocanu
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nikki Bozinoff
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Acute Care Program, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ron Lim
- Department of Family Medicine and Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jin Cheol Choi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wing Yin Mok
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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14
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Bouck Z, Tricco AC, Rosella LC, Banack HR, Fox MP, Platt RW, Milloy MJ, DeBeck K, Hayashi K, Werb D. First-line opioid agonist treatment as prevention against assisting others in initiating injection drug use: A longitudinal cohort study of people who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Drug Alcohol Depend Rep 2023; 7:100168. [PMID: 37397436 PMCID: PMC10311194 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Among people who inject drugs, frequent injecting and experiencing withdrawal are associated with facilitating others' first injections. As these factors may reflect an underlying substance use disorder, we investigated whether first-line oral opioid agonist treatment (OAT; methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone) reduces the likelihood that people who inject drugs help others initiate injecting. Methods We used questionnaire data from semi-annual visits between December 2014-May 2018 on 334 people who inject drugs with frequent non-medical opioid use in Vancouver, Canada. We estimated the effect of current first-line OAT on subsequent injection initiation assistance provision (i.e., helped someone initiate injecting in the following six months) using inverse-probability-weighted estimation of repeated measures marginal structural models to reduce confounding and informative censoring by time-fixed and time-varying covariates. Results By follow-up visit, 54-64% of participants reported current first-line OAT whereas 3.4-6.9% provided subsequent injection initiation assistance. Per the primary weighted estimate (n = 1114 person-visits), participants currently on first-line OAT (versus no OAT) were 50% less likely, on average, to subsequently help someone initiate injecting (relative risk [RR]=0.50, 95% CI=0.23-1.11). First-line OAT was associated with reduced risk of subsequent injection initiation assistance provision in participants who, at baseline, injected opioids less than daily (RR=0.15, 95% CI=0.05-0.44) but not in those who injected opioids daily (RR=0.86, 95% CI=0.35-2.11). Conclusions First-line OAT seemingly reduces the short-term likelihood that people who inject drugs facilitate first injections. However, the extent of this potential effect remains uncertain due to imprecise estimation and observed heterogeneity by baseline opioid injecting frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Bouck
- Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea C. Tricco
- Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Knowledge Translation Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laura C. Rosella
- Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hailey R. Banack
- Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert W. Platt
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre for Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre for Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre for Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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15
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Murray JP, Pucci G, Weyer G, Ari M, Dickson S, Kerins A. Low dose IV buprenorphine inductions for patients with opioid use disorder and concurrent pain: a retrospective case series. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:38. [PMID: 37264449 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalizations are a vital opportunity for the initiation of life-saving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) for patients with opioid use disorder. A novel approach to OAT initiation is the use of IV buprenorphine for low dose induction, which allows patients to immediately start buprenorphine at any point in a hospitalization without stopping full agonist opioids or experiencing significant withdrawal. METHODS This is a retrospective case series of 33 patients with opioid use disorder concurrently treated with full agonist opioids for pain who voluntarily underwent low dose induction at a tertiary academic medical center. Low dose induction is the process of initiating very low doses of buprenorphine at fixed intervals with gradual dose increases in patients who recently received or are simultaneously treated with full opioid agonists. Our study reports one primary outcome: successful completion of the low dose induction (i.e. transitioned from low dose IV buprenorphine to sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone) and three secondary outcomes: discharge from the hospital with buprenorphine-naloxone prescription, self-reported pain scores, and nursing-assessed clinical opiate withdrawal scale (COWS) scores over a 6-day period, using descriptive statistics. COWS and pain scores were obtained from day 0 (prior to starting the low dose induction) to day 5 to assess the effect on withdrawal symptoms and pain control. RESULTS Thirty patients completed the low dose induction (30/33, 90.9%). Thirty patients (30/33, 90.9%) were discharged with a buprenorphine prescription. Pain and COWS scores remained stable over the course of the study period. Mean COWS scores for all patients were 2.6 (SD 2.8) on day 0 and 1.6 (SD 2.6) on day 5. Mean pain scores for all patients were 4.4 (SD 2.1) on day 0 and 3.5 on day 5 (SD 2.1). CONCLUSIONS This study found that an IV buprenorphine low dose induction protocol was well-tolerated by a group of 33 hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder with co-occurring pain requiring full agonist opioid therapy. COWS and pain scores improved for the majority of patients. This is the first case series to report mean daily COWS and pain scores over an extended period throughout a low dose induction process.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Murray
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Geoffrey Pucci
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - George Weyer
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Mim Ari
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Sarah Dickson
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Angela Kerins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Vold JH, Chalabianloo F, Løberg EM, Aas CF, Lim AG, Vickerman P, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. The efficacy of integrated hepatitis C virus treatment in relieving fatigue in people who inject drugs: a randomized controlled trial. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:25. [PMID: 37095561 PMCID: PMC10123982 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00534-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people who inject drugs (PWIDs) suffer from severe fatigue, and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may play a role in this. However, there is scarce evidence about interventions that alleviate fatigue among PWIDs. The present study investigated the effect of integrated HCV treatment on fatigue in this population compared to the effect of standard HCV treatment, adjusted for sustained virological response of the HCV treatment. METHODS This multi-center, randomized controlled trial evaluated fatigue as a secondary outcome of integrated HCV treatment (the INTRO-HCV trial). From May 2017 to June 2019, 276 participants in Bergen and Stavanger, Norway, were randomly assigned to receive integrated and standard HCV treatment. Integrated treatment was delivered in eight decentralized outpatient opioid agonist therapy clinics and two community care centers; standard treatment was delivered in specialized infectious disease outpatient clinics at referral hospitals. Fatigue was assessed prior to treatment and 12 weeks after treatment using the nine-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-9). We applied a linear mixed model to evaluate the impact of integrated HCV treatment on changes in FSS-9 (ΔFSS-9) sum scores. RESULTS At baseline, the mean FSS-9 sum score was 46 (standard deviation (SD): 15) for participants on integrated HCV treatment and 41 (SD: 16) for those on standard treatment. Twelve weeks after completed HCV treatment, the mean FSS-9 sum score for participants receiving integrated HCV treatment was 42 (SD: 15) and 40 (SD: 14) for those receiving standard HCV treatment. Integrated HCV treatment did not reduce the FSS-9 scores compared to standard HCV treatment (ΔFSS-9: -3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): -6.4;0.4). CONCLUSIONS Fatigue is a common symptom among PWIDs. Integrated HCV treatment is at least equal to standard HCV treatment in improving fatigue. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov.no NCT03155906, 16/05/2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer F Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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17
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Enns B, Krebs E, Whitehurst DGT, Jutras-Aswad D, Le Foll B, Socias ME, Nosyk B. Cost-effectiveness of flexible take-home buprenorphine-naloxone versus methadone for treatment of prescription-type opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 247:109893. [PMID: 37120920 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness of flexible take-home buprenorphine-naloxone (BNX) versus methadone alongside the OPTIMA trial in Canada. METHODS The OPTIMA study was a pragmatic, open-label, noninferiority, two-arm randomized controlled trial, to assess the comparative effectiveness of flexible take-home BNX vs. methadone in routine clinical care for individuals with prescription-type opioid use disorder. We evaluated cost-effectiveness using a semi-Markov cohort model. Probabilities of overdose were calibrated, accounting for fentanyl prevalence and other overdose risk factors such as naloxone availability. We considered health sector and societal cost perspectives, including costs (2020 CAD) for treatment, health resource use, criminal activity, and health state-specific preference weights as outcomes to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Six-month and lifetime (3% annual discount rate) time-horizons were explored. RESULTS Over a lifetime time horizon, individuals accumulated -0.144 [CI: -0.302, -0.025] incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in BNX compared with methadone. Incremental costs were -$2047 [CI: -$39,197, $24,250] from a societal perspective, and -$4549 [CI: -$6332, -$3001] from a health sector perspective. Over a six-month time-horizon, individuals accumulated 0.002 [credible interval (CI): -0.011, 0.016] incremental QALYs in BNX compared with methadone. Incremental costs were -$307 [CI: -$10,385, $8466] from a societal perspective and -$1111 [CI: -$1517, -$631] from a health sector perspective. BNX was dominated (costlier, less effective) in 49.7% of simulations when adopting a societal perspective over a lifetime time horizon. CONCLUSIONS Flexible take-home BNX was not cost-effective versus methadone over a lifetime time horizon, resulting from better treatment retention in methadone compared to BNX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Enns
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David G T Whitehurst
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint-Denis Street, Montréal, QuébecH2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 boul. Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QuébecH3T1J4, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th floor, Toronto, OntarioM5T 1R8, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, OntarioM5T 3M7, Canada; Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, OntarioM5S 2S1, Canada; Acute Care Program, CAMH, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, OntarioM5S 2S1, Canada
| | - M Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
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18
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Henderson R, McInnes A, Danyluk A, Wadsworth I, Healy B, Crowshoe L. A realist review of best practices and contextual factors enhancing treatment of opioid dependence in Indigenous contexts. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:34. [PMID: 36932417 PMCID: PMC10022548 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00740-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to examine international literature to identify best practices for treatment of opioid dependence in Indigenous contexts. METHODS We utilized a systematic search to identify relevant literature. The literature was analysed using a realist review methodology supported by a two-step knowledge contextualization process, including a Knowledge Holders Gathering to initiate the literature search and analysis, and five consensus-building meetings to focus and synthesize relevant findings. A realist review methodology incorporates an analysis of the complex contextual factors in treatment by identifying program mechanisms, namely how and why different programs are effective in different contexts. RESULTS A total of 27 sources were identified that met inclusion criteria. Contextual factors contributing to opioid dependence described in the literature often included discussions of a complex interaction of social determinants of health in the sampled community. Twenty-four articles provided evidence of the importance of compassion in treatment. Compassion was evidenced primarily at the individual level, in interpersonal relationships based on nonjudgmental care and respect for the client, as well as in more holistic treatment programs beyond biophysical supports such as medically assisted treatment. Compassion was also shown to be important at the structural level in harm reduction policies. Twenty-five articles provided evidence of the importance of client self-determination in treatment programs. Client self-determination was evidenced primarily at the structural level, in community-based programs and collaborative partnerships based in trust and meaningful engagement but was also shown to be important at the individual level in client-directed care. Identified outcomes moved beyond a reduction in opioid use to include holistic health and wellness goals, such as improved life skills, self-esteem, feelings of safety, and healing at the individual level. Community-level outcomes were also identified, including more families kept intact, reduction in drug-related medical evacuations, criminal charges and child protection cases, and an increase in school attendance, cleanliness, and community spirit. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this realist review indicate compassion and self-determination as key program mechanisms that can support outcomes beyond reduced incidence of substance use to include mitigating systemic health inequities and addressing social determinants of health in Indigenous communities, ultimately healing the whole human being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Henderson
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Ashley McInnes
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ava Danyluk
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Bonnie Healy
- , Blood Tribe, AB, Canada
- Blackfoot Confederacy, Calgary, AB, T2H 2G5, Canada
| | - Lindsay Crowshoe
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
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19
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Marom A, Levy I, Rosca P. Changes and trends in medication-assisted treatment in Israel. Isr J Health Policy Res 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 36698178 PMCID: PMC9876650 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-022-00551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As opioid prescription in Israel is increasing, there is a growing need for monitoring opioid use disorder and providing opioid agonist therapy. Our goal is to describe, sub-analyze, and identify obstacles in the treatment of opioid misuse in the Israeli medication assisted treatment centers. METHODS Data on methadone, buprenorphine, and buprenorphine combined with naloxone for the indication of opioid addiction treatment for the period 2013-2020 were obtained from pharmaceutical companies that distribute them in Israel. Data on utilization of these drugs were also extracted from the database maintained by the Israel Ministry of Health's Pharmaceutical Administration Division. The data were converted to defined daily doses (DDD)/1000 inhabitants/day. RESULTS The number of patients receiving medication assisted treatment increased by 10% since 2013, with a shift from buprenorphine alone to buprenorphine/naloxone in government-run centers. Methadone remains the most popular maintenance drug. CONCLUSIONS The change in opioid maintenance prescription does not match the significant increase in opioid consumption. Optimization of treatment can be achieved by the creation of a comprehensive database, cooperation between healthcare organizations and the government and further development of non-stigmatic and accessible services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Marom
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538The Hebrew University- Hadassah Medical School, Campus Ein Kerem, 9112102 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Iris Levy
- grid.414840.d0000 0004 1937 052XDepartment for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Israeli Ministry of Health, 39 Yirmiyahu St., 9446724 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538The Hebrew University- Hadassah Medical School, Campus Ein Kerem, 9112102 Jerusalem, Israel ,grid.414840.d0000 0004 1937 052XDepartment for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Israeli Ministry of Health, 39 Yirmiyahu St., 9446724 Jerusalem, Israel
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20
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Aldabergenov D, Reynolds L, Scott J, Kelleher MJ, Strang J, Copeland CS, Kalk NJ. Methadone and buprenorphine-related deaths among people prescribed and not prescribed Opioid Agonist Therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 110:103877. [PMID: 36265326 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus pandemic resulted in many changes which had the potential to impact mortality related to opioid agonist therapy (OAT; methadone, buprenorphine), including changes in the prescribing and dispensing of OAT and patterns of drug availability and use. We aimed to assess the impact of the first lockdown (initiated March 23rd 2020) on methadone- and buprenorphine-related deaths in England in people both prescribed and not prescribed OAT using data from the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths. METHODS This was a retrospective post-mortem toxicology study of OAT-related deaths which occurred in the 3-month period March 23rd to June 22nd in the years 2016-2020. Provisional data regarding numbers accessing treatment for opioid use disorder was provided by the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System. RESULTS We found a 64% increase in methadone-related deaths in March to June 2020 compared to March to June 2019 (2019 n = 96; 2020 projected n = 157). There were increases in the mortality rate of both in-treatment decedents (22% increase; 2019 n = 45; an exponential smoothing model of the 2016-19 trend [α=0.5] predicted 44 deaths in 2020, 55 were reported) and decedents not prescribed methadone (74% increase; 2019 n = 46; 2016-19 trend predicted 43 deaths in 2020, 80 were reported). There was no increase in buprenorphine-related deaths (2019 n = 9/529; 2020 n = 11/566). There were no changes in the numbers of deaths where other opioids or multiple substances were detected, or in methadone levels detected. Numbers of people accessing treatment for opioid use disorder in 2020 did not decrease relative to previous years (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Methadone-related deaths in non-prescribed individuals, but not prescribed individuals, increased considerably above the annual trend forecast for 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England. Further studies are thus needed to understand this difference.
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21
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Tlali M, Scheibe A, Ruffieux Y, Cornell M, Wettstein AE, Egger M, Davies MA, Maartens G, Johnson LF, Haas AD. Diagnosis and treatment of opioid-related disorders in a South African private sector medical insurance scheme: A cohort study. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 109:103853. [PMID: 36202041 PMCID: PMC9884995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of opioids is increasing globally, but data from low- and middle-income countries on opioid-related mental and behavioural disorders (hereafter referred to as opioid-related disorders) are scarce. This study examines the incidence of opioid-related disorders, opioid agonist use, and excess mortality among persons with opioid-related disorders in South Africa's private healthcare sector. METHODS We analysed longitudinal data of beneficiaries (≥ 11 years) of a South African medical insurance scheme using reimbursement claims from Jan 1, 2011, to Jul 1, 2020. Beneficiaries were classified as having an opioid-related disorder if they received an opioid agonist (buprenorphine or methadone) or an ICD-10 diagnosis for harmful opioid use (F11.1), opioid dependence or withdrawal (F11.2-4), or an unspecified or other opioid-related disorder (F11.0, F11.5-9). We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for factors associated with opioid-related disorders, estimated the cumulative incidence of opioid agonist use after receiving an ICD-10 diagnosis for opioid dependence or withdrawal, and examined excess mortality among beneficiaries with opioid-related disorders. RESULTS Of 1,251,458 beneficiaries, 1286 (0.1%) had opioid-related disorders. Between 2011 and 2020, the incidence of opioid-related disorders increased by 12% (95% CI 9%-15%) per year. Men, young adults in their twenties, and beneficiaries with co-morbid mental health or other substance use disorders were at increased risk of opioid-related disorders. The cumulative incidence of opioid agonist use among beneficiaries who received an ICD-10 diagnosis for opioid dependence or withdrawal was 18.0% (95% CI 14.0-22.4) 3 years after diagnosis. After adjusting for age, sex, year, medical insurance coverage, and population group, opioid-related disorders were associated with an increased risk of mortality (aHR 2.28, 95% CI 1.84-2.82). Opioid-related disorders were associated with a 7.8-year shorter life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of people diagnosed with or treated for an opioid-related disorder in the private sector is increasing rapidly. People with opioid-related disorders are a vulnerable population with substantial psychiatric comorbidity who often die prematurely. Evidence-based management of opioid-related disorders is urgently needed to improve the health outcomes of people with opioid-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mpho Tlali
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Andrew Scheibe
- Urban Futures Centre, Steve Biko Campus, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; TB HIV Care, 7th Floor, 11 Adderley Street, Cape Town, South Africa; Community Oriented Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yann Ruffieux
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anja E Wettstein
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Egger
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Maartens
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leigh F Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andreas D Haas
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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22
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Abstract
The incidence of opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose deaths is rising yearly within the United States. Many cases are associated with illicitly manufactured fentanyl use. In addition to offering patients medications for OUD (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone), the approach to this epidemic should involve increasing provider awareness and education about substance use disorders, expanding urine toxicology screens to test for fentanyl, and using low-threshold treatment approaches.
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23
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Pilarinos A, Kwa Y, Joe R, Thulien M, Buxton JA, DeBeck K, Fast D. Navigating Opioid Agonist Therapy among Young People who use Illicit Opioids in Vancouver, Canada. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 107:103773. [PMID: 35780565 PMCID: PMC9872974 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) has been shown to reduce opioid use and related harms. However, many young people are not accessing OAT. This study sought to explore how young people navigated OAT over time, including periods of engagement, disengagement, and avoidance. METHODS Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted between January 2018 and August 2020 with 56 young people in Vancouver, Canada who reported illicit, intensive heroin and/or fentanyl use. Following the verbatim transcription of longitudinal interviews, an iterative thematic analysis was used to extrapolate key themes. RESULTS Young people contemplating OAT expressed fears about its addictiveness. Many experienced pressure from providers and family members to initiate buprenorphine-naloxone, despite a desire to explore other treatment options such as methadone. Once young people initiated OAT, staying on it was difficult and complicated by daily witnessed dosing requirements and strict rules around repeated missed doses, especially for those receiving methadone. Most young people envisioned tapering off OAT in the not-too-distant future. CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the importance of working collaboratively with young people to develop treatment plans and timelines, and suggest that OAT engagement and retention among young people could be improved by expanding access to the full range of OAT; updating clinical guidelines to improve access to safer prescription alternatives to the increasingly poisonous, unregulated drug supply; addressing treatment gaps arising from missed doses and take-home dosing; and providing a clear pathway to OAT tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Pilarinos
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, 270-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Yandi Kwa
- Vancouver Coastal Health, 520 West 6(th) Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1A1
| | - Ronald Joe
- Vancouver Coastal Health, 520 West 6(th) Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1A1
| | - Madison Thulien
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9
| | - Jane A Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 515 West Hastings Street, Suite 3271, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 5K3
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 2A9; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2914 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T1Z3.
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24
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Day N, Wass M, Smith K. Virtual opioid agonist treatment: Alberta's virtual opioid dependency program and outcomes. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:40. [PMID: 35902924 PMCID: PMC9330968 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Virtually delivered healthcare (telehealth, telemedicine) has the potential to reduce gaps in access to opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Barriers to accessing OAT such as lack of transportation, in-person induction requirements, employment demands and limited childcare options reduce treatment opportunities for clients. A completely virtual model of care has been developed in Alberta, Canada. This paper introduces the unique virtual clinic model and describes outcomes from that model. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted using datasets within existing electronic health records and databases from Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP). Outcome data were extracted at admission to ongoing care by Case Management within the VODP and at 3, 6 and 12 months for the duration of treatment. Utilization trends over three years were analyzed, including admissions, discharges and active client information. Data regarding clinical outcomes for clients engaged in ongoing care with the VODP were aggregated for analysis over four time periods, including treatment retention rates at 6 and 12 months. Results A total of 440 client records were included in the study sample. Descriptive analysis showed rapid growth in utilization over three fiscal years. Despite rapid growth in utilization, median wait days for treatment decreased from 6 to 0 days with the initiation of a Same Day Start service to support low barrier immediate access to treatment. Treatment retention rates for clients in ongoing care were comparable to published reports, with 90% of the study sample remaining in treatment over 6 months, and 58% showing retention over 12 months. Clients reported high levels of satisfaction (90%) and outcomes reflected reductions in drug use and overdose as well as improved social functioning. Conclusions The VODP model demonstrated high levels of client satisfaction, rapid growth in utilization and positive preliminary clinical outcomes. Entirely virtual delivery of opioid agonist therapy is a promising option to facilitate access to evidence based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the context of a fentanyl overdose crisis, particularly for individuals living in rural or underserved areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Day
- Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Ponoka, AB, Canada.,Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, P.O. Box 1000, T4J 1R8, Ponoka, AB, Canada
| | - Maureen Wass
- Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Ponoka, AB, Canada. .,Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, P.O. Box 1000, T4J 1R8, Ponoka, AB, Canada.
| | - Kelly Smith
- Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Ponoka, AB, Canada.,Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, P.O. Box 1000, T4J 1R8, Ponoka, AB, Canada
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25
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Garg R, Kitchen SA, Men S, Campbell TJ, Bozinoff N, Tadrous M, Antoniou T, Wyman J, Werb D, Munro C, Gomes T. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of opioid agonist therapy discontinuation in Ontario, Canada: A population-based time series analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 236:109459. [PMID: 35489179 PMCID: PMC9008980 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the impact of COVID-19, which includes the declaration of a state of emergency and subsequent release of pandemic-specific OAT guidance (March 17, 2020 to March 23, 2020) on the prevalence of OAT discontinuation. METHODS We conducted a population-based time series analysis using interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models among Ontario residents who were stable (>60 days of continuous use) and not yet stable on OAT. Specifically, we examined whether COVID-19 impacted the weekly percentage of individuals who discontinued OAT, overall and stratified by treatment type (methadone vs. buprenorphine/naloxone). Additionally, we compared demographic characteristics and patient outcomes among people stable on OAT who discontinued treatment during (March 17, 2020 to November 30, 2020) and prior (July 3, 2019 to March 16, 2020) to the pandemic. RESULTS The weekly prevalence of OAT discontinuation across the study period ranged between 0.6% and 1.1%, among those stable on treatment compared to 7.3% and 16.6%, among those not stable on treatment. Following COVID-19, there was no significant change in the percentage of Ontarians who discontinued OAT, regardless of whether they were stabilized on treatment. Among those stable on OAT, a similar proportion of patients restarted therapy and experienced opioid-related harm following an OAT discontinuation. However, mortality following OAT discontinuation must be noted, as approximately 1.4% and 0.8% of people who discontinued methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone respectively, died within 30 days of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Trends in the prevalence of OAT discontinuation did not significantly change during the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Garg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sophie A. Kitchen
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Siyu Men
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Tonya J. Campbell
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Nikki Bozinoff
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada,Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Tony Antoniou
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada,Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Wyman
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada,Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada,Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada,Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health at the University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Charlotte Munro
- Ontario Drug Policy Research Network Lived Experience Advisory Group, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation at the University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada.
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26
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Selfridge M, Card K, Kandler T, Flanagan E, Lerhe E, Heaslip A, Nguyen A, Moher M, Pauly B, Urbanoski K, Fraser C. Factors associated with 60-day adherence to "safer supply" opioids prescribed under British Columbia's interim clinical guidance for health care providers to support people who use drugs during COVID-19 and the ongoing overdose emergency. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 105:103709. [PMID: 35525052 PMCID: PMC9065674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In March 2020, British Columbia issued Risk Mitigation Guidance (RMG) to support prescribing of pharmaceutical alternatives to illicit drugs, in order to reduce risk for COVID-19, overdose, and withdrawal among people who use drugs. This study evaluated factors associated with 60-day adherence to novel opioid alternatives prescribed at an inner-city health centre in Victoria, Canada. METHODS A chart review was conducted to collect data on sociodemographic information, medical histories, and follow-up services among all clients prescribed novel opioid alternatives from March 2020-August 2020 (n = 286). Bivariable and multivariable regression were used to identify independent and adjusted factors associated with 60-day adherence. RESULTS Overall, 77% of 286 clients were still receiving opioids after 60 days of follow-up. Medications included hydromorphone (n = 274), sustained-release oral morphine (n = 2), and oxycodone (n = 9). The adjusted odds of 60-day adherence to novel opioid alternatives were significantly higher for those receiving a mental health medication (aOR = 3.49, 95%CI = 1.26, 11.00), a higher maximum daily dosage of RMG prescriptions (aOR = 1.03 per mg increase, 95%CI = 1.01, 1.04), and those with continuous receipt of OAT (aOR = 6.25, 95%CI = 2.67, 15.90). CONCLUSIONS Higher dosages and co-prescription of mental health medications and OAT may help support better adherence to this form of prescriber-based "safer supply". Further work is needed to identify optimal prescribing practices and the longer term impacts of differing implementation scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Selfridge
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada; Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Kiffer Card
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada,Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Canada
| | - Taylor Kandler
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Erin Flanagan
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Emily Lerhe
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Ash Heaslip
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Anne Nguyen
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada,University of Victoria, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Matthew Moher
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada,University of Victoria, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
| | - Bernie Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of Victoria, School of Nursing, Canada
| | - Karen Urbanoski
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of Victoria, School of Public Health and Social Policy, Canada
| | - Chris Fraser
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada,University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Canada
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27
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Mitra S, Grant C, Nolan S, Mohd Salleh NA, Milloy MJ, Richardson L. Assessing the Temporality Between Transitions onto Opioid Agonist Therapy and Engagement with Antiretroviral Therapy in a Cohort of HIV-Positive People Who Use Opioids Daily. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1933-1942. [PMID: 34977956 PMCID: PMC9859621 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A robust evidence-base describes the beneficial association between opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and HIV-related outcomes among people living with HIV and opioid use disorder. While some evidence suggests the stabilizing effect of OAT on antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment engagement, less is understood about the potential for an inverse relationship. We sought to examine the relationship between transitions in ART engagement and transitions onto OAT. We used data from a prospective cohort of people living with HIV who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada-a setting with no-cost access to ART and low or no-cost access to OAT among low-income residents. Restricting the sample to those who reported daily or greater opioid use, we used generalized linear mixed-effects models to estimate the relationships between our primary outcome of transitions onto OAT (methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone) and transitions (1) onto ART and (2) into ART adherence. Subsequent analyses assessed the temporal sequencing of transitions. Between 2005 and 2017, among 433 participants, 48.3% reported transitioning onto OAT at least once. In concurrent analyses, transitions onto ART were positively and significantly associated with transitions onto OAT. Temporal sequencing revealed that transitions into OAT were also positively and significantly associated with subsequent transitions onto ART. OAT's potential to facilitate the uptake of ART points to the continued need to scale-up low-threshold, client-centered substance use services integrated alongside HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mitra
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program, University of British Columbia, 270-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Cameron Grant
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Seonaid Nolan
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M.-J. Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lindsey Richardson
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, 400-1045 Howe, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada,Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, 6303 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
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Dorgay CE, Bromberg DJ, Doltu S, Litz T, Galvez S, Polonsky M, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. A pilot implementation study to scale-up methadone in incarcerated persons with opioid use disorder and retain them on treatment after release in Moldova. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 104:103683. [PMID: 35417790 PMCID: PMC9827420 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eastern Europe and Central Asia have intertwined HIV and incarceration epidemics, concentrated in people who inject drugs. Moldova is one of the few countries in this region that offers methadone within prisons, but uptake and post-release retention remains suboptimal. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) procedures are a potential implementation strategy to address this problem. METHODS From June 1, 2017 to March 3, 2018, we conducted a 2-stage SBIRT strategy in nine prisons and four pre-trial detention facilities in Moldova among incarcerated persons with opioid use disorder (OUD; N = 121) and within 90 days of release. Survey results were analyzed to evaluate the effect of the SBIRT strategy on the uptake of and post-release retention on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). RESULTS Among the 121 screened with OUD, 27 were on MMT at baseline within the prison and this number increased to 41 after the two-step SBIRT intervention, reflecting a 51.9% increase over baseline. Eleven (78.6%) of the 14 participants that newly started MMT did so only after completing both SBIRT sessions. The brief intervention did not significantly improve knowledge about methadone but did improve attitudes towards it. Among the 41 participants who received methadone during this trial, 40 (97.6%) were retained 6 months after release; the one participant not retained was on methadone at the time of the intervention and had planned to taper off. CONCLUSION The SBIRT strategy significantly improved participant attitudes, but treatment initiation mostly occurred after completing both sessions, including soon after release, but remained low overall. Work within the Moldovan prison subculture to dispel negative myths and misinformation is needed to further scale-up OAT in Moldova.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coriann E Dorgay
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
| | - Daniel J Bromberg
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States; Yale Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, 135 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
| | - Svetlana Doltu
- Act For Involvement, 7A Varșovia street, Chișinău, 2060, Republic of Moldova
| | - Taylor Litz
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 135 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
| | - Samy Galvez
- Yale Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, 135 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States; Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 135 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
| | - Maxim Polonsky
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 135 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
| | - Sergey Dvoryak
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, 5 Biloruska Str. Office 20, 27, Kyiv, 04050 Ukraine
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States; Yale Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, 135 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States; Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 135 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States; University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Alawa J, Muhammad M, Kazemitabar M, Bromberg DJ, Garcia D, Khoshnood K, Ghandour L. Medication for opioid use disorder in the Arab World: A systematic review. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 102:103617. [PMID: 35182841 PMCID: PMC9851143 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a global public health concern. The standard of care for OUD involves treatment using medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. No known review exists to assess the contextual factors associated with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in the Arab World. This systematic review serves as an implementation science study to address this research gap and improve the uptake of MOUD in the Arab World. METHODS Systematic searches of Medline, PsycINFO, and EMBASE, and a citation analysis, were used to identify peer-reviewed articles with original data on MOUD in the Arab World. Quality assessment was conducted using the CASP appraisal tools, and main findings were extracted and coded according to the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. RESULTS 652 research articles were identified, and 10 met inclusion criteria for final review. Four studies considered health-systems aspects of MOUD administration, such as cost-effectiveness, the motivations for and impact of national MOUD policies, the types of social, political, and scientific advocacy that led to the adoption of MOUD in Arab countries, and the challenges limiting its wide-scale adoption in the Arab World. Six papers considered MOUD at individual and group patient levels by evaluating patient quality of life, addiction severity, patient satisfaction, and patient perspectives on opioid agonist therapy. CONCLUSION Despite financial and geographic barriers that limit access to MOUD in the Arab World, this review found MOUD to be cost-effective and associated with positive health outcomes for OUD patients in the Arab World. MOUD can be successfully established and scaled to the national level in the Arab context, and strong coalitions of health practitioners can lobby to establish MOUD programs in Arab countries. Still, the relative novelty of MOUD in this context precludes an abundance of research to address its long-term delivery in the Arab World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Alawa
- Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Muzzammil Muhammad
- Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Maryam Kazemitabar
- Yale University School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Daniel J Bromberg
- Yale University School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Danilo Garcia
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), University of Gothenburg, Box 100, 405 30 Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kaveh Khoshnood
- Yale University School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Lilian Ghandour
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Van Dyck Building, PO Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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Young S, Kolla G, McCormack D, Campbell T, Leece P, Strike C, Srivastava A, Antoniou T, Bayoumi AM, Gomes T. Characterizing safer supply prescribing of immediate release hydromorphone for individuals with opioid use disorder across Ontario, Canada. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 102:103601. [PMID: 35124413 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the ongoing overdose crisis, some clinicians in Canada have started prescribing immediate release hydromorphone (IRH) as an alternative to the toxic unregulated drug supply. This practice is often referred to as safer supply. We aimed to identify and characterize patients receiving safer supply IRH and their prescribers in Ontario. METHODS Using provincial administrative health data, we identified individuals with opioid use disorder prescribed safer supply IRH from January 2016 to March 2020 and reported the number of initiations over time. We summarized demographic, health, and medication use characteristics among patients who received safer supply IRH, and examined select clinical outcomes including retention and death. Finally, we characterized prescribers of safer supply IRH and compared frequent and infrequent prescribers. RESULTS We identified 534 initiations of safer supply IRH (447 distinct individuals) from 155 prescribers. Initiations increased over time with a peak in the third quarter of 2019 (103 initiations). Patients' median age was 42 (interquartile range [IQR] 34-50), and most were male (60.2%), urban residents, (96.2%), and in the lowest neighborhood income quintile (55.7%), with 13.9% having overdosed in the previous one year. The prevalence of HIV was 13.9%. The median duration on IRH was 272 days (IQR 30-1,244) and OAT was co-prescribed in 62.9% of courses. Death while receiving IRH or within 7 days of discontinuation was rare (≤5 courses;≤0.94 per person-year for each). CONCLUSIONS Clinicians are increasingly prescribing safer supply IRH in Ontario. Patients prescribed safer supply IRH had demographic and clinical characteristics associated with high risk of death from opioid-related overdose. Short-term deaths among people receiving safer supply IRH were rare.
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Bishop LD, Rosenberg-Yunger ZRS. Pharmacists expanded role in providing care for opioid use disorder during COVID-19: A qualitative study exploring pharmacists' experiences. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 232:109303. [PMID: 35032858 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) struggled with access to prescribers and opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Recognizing this gap in care, Health Canada issued a short-term subsection 56(1) class exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act authorizing pharmacists to independently manage controlled substances. The purpose of this study was to explore the expanded role of Canadian pharmacists in providing care to patients with OUD during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted qualitative key informant telephone interviews in the fall of 2020 with Canadian pharmacists who used the exemption. We included community or primary healthcare team-based pharmacists who managed opioid medication under the exemption. We recorded, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified all transcripts. Data was analyzed using a thematic approach involving line-by-line coding and constant comparison. RESULTS We interviewed nineteen pharmacists with representation from all provinces and urban and rural practice settings. Three major themes emerged that captured the pharmacists' perspectives when providing care for patients with OUD during the pandemic: (i) continuity of care; (ii) harm reduction; and (iii) access to care. Pharmacists used the exemption to extend prescriptions, transfer prescriptions, receive verbal orders, and deliver OAT. CONCLUSIONS Throughout the pandemic, pharmacists were able to provide continuity of care to patients with OUD who would have otherwise been unable to access care. The exemption permitted pharmacists to assess patients and provide OAT through this expanded role. Other countries should look to the Canadian experience and leverage the expertise of the pharmacist to expand their scope so that they can help fill the gap in care for patients with OUD.
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Bachireddy C, Shrestha R, Bromberg DJ, Azbel L, Kurmanalieva A, Wegman M, Shumskaya N, Rozanova J, Meyer JP, Altice FL. Methadone within prison and linkage to and retention in treatment upon community release for people with opioid use disorder in Kyrgyzstan: Evaluation of a national program. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 101:103558. [PMID: 34915426 PMCID: PMC9998103 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV incidence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) continues to increase, primarily among people who inject drugs (PWID) and people in prisons. In Kyrgyzstan, an estimated 35% of people in prison are PWID, and 10% have been diagnosed with HIV. In 2008, Kyrgyzstan became the first country in EECA to provide free and voluntary methadone in prisons. We examine the impact of this national program on methadone within prison as well as linkage to and retention in treatment upon release to the community. METHODS Administrative data from a national methadone registry with de-identified information were assessed retrospectively. We examined the delivery of methadone services, including the duration of treatment both within prison and after release, for all prisoners who were prescribed methadone in Kyrgyz prisons from 2008 to 2018. Reasons for discontinuing methadone, HIV status and methadone dose are also analyzed. RESULTS Between 2008 and 2018, nine of Kyrgyzstan's 16 prisons offered methadone, and 982 incarcerated people initiated methadone within prison. Prisoners prescribed methadone were mostly male (96.2%), in their mid-30s (mean=34.9 years), and had been incarcerated for a relatively long time (mean = 44.1 months); their mean treatment duration in prison was 12.5 months, and 31.6% had HIV. A subsample (N = 645; 65.7%) of these were released to the community. Of these 645 people, 356 (55.2%) were not taking methadone at the time of release, 128 (19.8%) were on methadone and continued it after release, and the remainder (N=161, 25.0%) were on methadone at the time of release, but subsequently discontinued it, most within the first 7 days after release. Among those continuing methadone, 14.8% (N=19) remained on treatment ≥ 12 months. Independent correlates of linkage to methadone after release included positive HIV status (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.55; p = 0.033), receipt of methadone before their incarceration (aHR=2.01; p = 0.039), and receipt of methadone at the time of release (aHR = 20.81; p<0.001). CONCLUSION This is the first evaluation of within-prison methadone treatment in EECA. Uptake of methadone within prison and retention in treatment after release were both low. Continuous maintenance of treatment throughout incarceration is an opportunity to optimize HIV prevention and link patients to methadone post-release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chethan Bachireddy
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PS, United States
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Daniel J Bromberg
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Lyu Azbel
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Martin Wegman
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Natalya Shumskaya
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Julia Rozanova
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jaimie P Meyer
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
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Bach P, Bawa M, Grant C, Milloy M, Hayashi K. Availability and use of non-prescribed buprenorphine-naloxone in a Canadian setting, 2014-2020. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 101:103545. [PMID: 34875527 PMCID: PMC8917069 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NX) is a first-line treatment for opioid use disorder and has a superior safety profile compared to other forms of opioid agonist therapy. In Canada, restrictions on BUP-NX prescribing were relaxed in 2016, which may have had an effect on rates of diversion and non-prescribed use. We sought to longitudinally examine the reported availability and use of non-prescribed BUP-NX among people who use drugs (PWUD) in an urban Canadian setting. METHODS We collected data from two linked prospective cohorts of PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, and examined self-reported availability and use of non-prescribed BUP-NX over time. We used a multivariable generalized estimating equations model to identify trends and factors associated with the immediate availability (i.e., within 10 min) of non-prescribed BUP-NX. RESULTS Among 1617 participants between 2014 and 2020, the immediate availability of non-prescribed BUP-NX increased from 16% to 63% (p<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with immediate BUP-NX availability included calendar year (adjusted odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-1.23), along with a number of other variables suggestive of more severe substance use disorders. Only 17 participants ever reported use of non-prescribed BUP-NX. CONCLUSIONS We observed that BUP-NX has become increasingly available in the unregulated drug supply in recent years but its use has remained infrequent in this setting. These results suggest that relaxed restrictions on BUP-NX prescribing have not been a major driver of increased non-prescribed use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paxton Bach
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Suite 400 - 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
| | - Misha Bawa
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Suite 400 – 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Cameron Grant
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Suite 400 – 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - M.J. Milloy
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Suite 400 – 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Suite 400 – 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Abstract
Understanding how the public views harm reduction strategies may help inform researchers on how to reduce related stigma and barriers to help-seeking. The current study explored whether stigma towards those who use opioids was affected by gender and type of harm reduction strategy used. Undergraduate students (N = 328) were randomly assigned to read one of six vignettes varying by gender and the type of harm reduction strategy: no harm reduction, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), or safe consumption sites (SCSs). Results demonstrated that participants were less stigmatizing towards the character who engaged in OAT compared to the character with no harm reduction. There was also a pattern demonstrating that SCSs may be perceived more negatively than OAT, although these differences only met conventional significance, not adjusted/corrected alphas. There were no significant effects for gender. Qualitative results revealed that participants held misconceptions about harm reduction. Implications and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Brittany L Lindsay
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Stephanie Knaak
- Department of Psychiatry and Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Andrew C H Szeto
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
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Moallef S, DeBeck K, Fairbairn N, Cui Z, Brar R, Wilson D, Johnson C, Milloy MJ, Hayashi K. Inability to contact opioid agonist therapy prescribers during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Canadian setting: a cross-sectional analysis among people on opioid agonist therapy. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:73. [PMID: 36522789 PMCID: PMC9751503 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent public health response may have undermined key responses to the protracted drug poisoning crisis, including reduced access to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) among people with opioid use disorder. Our study objectives were to estimate the prevalence of and identify factors associated with inability to contact OAT prescribers when in need among people on OAT in a Canadian setting during the dual public health crises. METHODS Survey data were collected from three prospective cohort studies of community-recruited people who use drugs between July and November 2020, in Vancouver, Canada. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential factors associated with inability to contact OAT prescribers among patients who accessed OAT in the past 6 months. RESULTS Among 448 respondents who reported accessing OAT in the past 6 months, including 231 (54.9%) men, 85 (19.0%) reported having been unable to contact OAT prescribers when needed, whereas 268 (59.8%) reported being able to talk to their prescriber when needed, and 95 (21.2%) reported that they did not want to talk to their medication prescriber in the previous 6 months. Among those who reported inability to contact prescribers, 45 (53.6%) reported that their overall ability to contact prescribers decreased since the start of the pandemic. In multivariable analyses, factors independently associated with inability to talk to OAT prescribers included: chronic pain (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.82; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.02, 3.27), moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety (AOR = 4.74; 95% CI 2.30, 9.76), inability to access health/social services (AOR = 2.66; 95% CI 1.41, 5.02), and inability to self-isolate or socially distance most or all of the time (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.10, 4.14). CONCLUSIONS Overall, approximately one fifth of the sample reported inability to contact their OAT prescribers when needed, and those people were more likely to have co-occurring vulnerabilities (i.e., co-morbidities, inability to access health/social services) and higher vulnerability to COVID-19. Interventions are needed to ensure optimal access to OAT and mitigate the deepening health inequities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the escalating drug poisoning crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Moallef
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.61971.380000 0004 1936 7494School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Zishan Cui
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Rupinder Brar
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.417243.70000 0004 0384 4428Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Dean Wilson
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada
| | - Cheyenne Johnson
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - M.-J. Milloy
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul’s Hospital, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.61971.380000 0004 1936 7494Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Canada
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Salamanca-Buentello F, Cheng DK, Sabioni P, Majid U, Upshur R, Sud A. Mal/adaptations: A qualitative evidence synthesis of opioid agonist therapy during major disruptions. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 101:103556. [PMID: 34902805 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) has been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The risks of opioid withdrawal, overdose, and diversion have increased, so there is an urgent need to adapt OAT to best support people who use drugs (PWUD). This review examines the views and experiences of PWUD, health care providers, and health system administrators on OAT during major disruptions to medical care to inform appropriate health system responses during the current pandemic and beyond. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. We searched three comprehensive datasets for qualitative and mixed-methods studies that examined OAT in the context of major disruptions such as natural disasters, and analyzed included studies using thematic analysis and the constant comparative method. We used conceptual frameworks of health systems resilience and adaptive systems to interpret our findings. RESULTS We included 10 studies published between 2002 and 2020 that examined OAT in the context of hurricanes, earthquakes, and terrorist attacks. We organized our results into three themes: uncertainty, inconsistency, and vulnerability; regulatory inflexibility; and lack of coordination. The highly regulated but poorly coordinated systems of OAT provision lacked flexibility to adapt to major disruptions, thereby manufacturing vulnerability for both PWUD and health workers. CONCLUSIONS OAT programs must be resilient and adaptable to face major disruptions while maintaining quality care. Our findings provide guidance to develop and implement innovative strategies that increase the adaptive potential of OAT programs while focusing on the needs of PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Salamanca-Buentello
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2B5, Canada
| | - Darren K Cheng
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2B5, Canada
| | - Pamela Sabioni
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2B5, Canada
| | - Umair Majid
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, Suite 425, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Ross Upshur
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2B5, Canada; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, Suite 425, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada; Division of Clinical Public Health, Dalla Lana Faculty of Public Health, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L4, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Abhimanyu Sud
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2B5, Canada; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, Suite 425, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada.
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Busschots D, Bielen R, Koc ÖM, Heyens L, Dercon E, Verrando R, Janssens F, Van den Bergh L, Van Lint P, Bruckers L, Nevens F, Robaeys G. On-site testing and case management to improve hepatitis C care in drug users: a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study in the DAA era. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1574. [PMID: 34416867 PMCID: PMC8379886 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Screening and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in people who use drugs (PWUD) remains insufficient. Reducing the burden of HCV infection in PWUD requires interventions focusing on the different steps of the HCV care cascade. Methods We performed a prospective, multicenter study, evaluating the impact of an HCV care model on the HCV care cascade among PWUD attending an addiction care center in Belgium between 2015 and 2018. Interventions within the care model consisted of pre-test counseling, on-site HCV screening and case management services. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to identify the independent factors influencing the outcomes. Results During the study period, 441 PWUD were registered at the addiction care center, 90% (395/441) were contacted, 88% (349/395) were screened for HCV infection. PWUD were more likely to be screened if they had ever injected drugs (p < .001; AOR 6.411 95% CI 3.464–11.864). In 45% (157/349), the HCV antibody (Ab) test was positive, and in 27% (94/349) HCV RNA was positive. Within the Belgian reimbursement criteria (fibrosis stage ≥ F2), 44% (41/94) were treated. Specialist evaluation at the hospital was lower for PWUD receiving decentralized opioid agonist therapy (p = .005; AOR 0.430 95% CI 0.005–0.380), PWUD with unstable housing in the past 6 months before inclusion (p = .015; AOR 0.035 95% CI 0.002–0.517) or if they were recently incarcerated (p = .001; AOR 0.010 95% CI 0.001–0.164). Conclusions This HCV care model demonstrated high screening, linkage to care, and treatment initiation among PWUD in Belgium. Using the cascade of care to guide interventions is easy and necessary to monitor results. This population needs guidance, not only for screening and treatment initiation but also for the long-term follow-up since one in six had cirrhosis and could develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Further interventions are necessary to increase linkage to care and treatment initiation. Universal access to direct-acting antiviral therapy from 2019 will contribute to achieving HCV elimination in the PWUD population. Trial registration Clinical trial registration details: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03106194). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11608-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Busschots
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.
| | - Rob Bielen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Özgür M Koc
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Medical Microbiology, School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leen Heyens
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Medical Microbiology, School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Filip Janssens
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Luc Van den Bergh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sint-Trudo Hospital, Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - Peter Van Lint
- Department of Gastroenterology, AZ Vesalius, Tongeren, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Faculty of Science, Center for statistics, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Varney SM, Wiegand TJ, Wax PM, Brent J. Descriptive Analysis of Inpatient and Outpatient Cohorts Seeking Treatment After Prescription Opioid Misuse and Medical Toxicology Evaluation. J Med Toxicol 2021; 17:378-385. [PMID: 34402039 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-021-00850-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medical toxicology expertise has expanded into the addiction medicine realm including outpatient medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and addiction treatment. Concomitantly, the emergency department (ED) and hospital are increasingly seen as important sites for the screening, prevention, and treatment of patients with substance use disorders and addiction. This analysis seeks to characterize patients seen by medical toxicologists for opioid use and opioid use disorder (OUD) in the ED and inpatient consultation setting (inpatient) versus in the OUD clinic (outpatient) setting. METHODS We searched the American College of Medical Toxicology's Toxicology Investigators Consortium Case Registry, a prospective, de-identified, national dataset that includes patients receiving medical toxicology consultation following prescription opioid misuse. The dataset also includes patients seen in outpatient MOUD clinics during the same period between June 2013 and November 2015. Intentional self-harm patients were excluded. We analyzed medical history, drug use patterns, and other factors with odds ratios and confidence intervals. RESULTS Of 110 patients identified, 60 (54.5%) were inpatients and 50 (45.5%) outpatients. Mean age (39 years), gender (68% male), and race breakdown (60% white/non-Hispanic) were similar. The outpatient group was more likely to have Medicare/Medicaid coverage (p<0.0001). By history, the outpatient group was more likely to have past alcohol misuse, intravenous drug use, prescription drug misuse, and prescription opioid misuse. Most inpatient group members sought a recreational high compared to avoiding withdrawal or treating dependence in the outpatient group. CONCLUSION Patients treated in the outpatient compared to inpatient setting were more likely to report adverse sequelae from their drug use including long-term drug use, depression, previous rehabilitation attempts, and seeking to avoid withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Varney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Health - San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Timothy J Wiegand
- University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Paul M Wax
- Division of Toxicology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jeffrey Brent
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Colorado School of Public Health, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Oji-Mmuo CN, Jones AN, Wu EY, Speer RR, Palmer T. Clinical care of neonates undergoing opioid withdrawal in the immediate postpartum period. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2021; 86:106978. [PMID: 33838247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
As the opioid epidemic escalates in westernized countries around the world, chronic opioid use during pregnancy has become a growing public health issue. There are increasing concerns that chronic maternal opioid use might adversely affect the developing fetal brain. Furthermore, the sudden discontinuation of the trans-placental opioid supply at birth puts newborns at acute risk for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). NOWS is a multi-system disorder that has been identified in approximately 50-80% of neonates exposed to opioids due to chronic maternal use. Clinically, NOWS affects the central and autonomic nervous systems as well as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The clinical features of NOWS include hyperirritability, high-pitched crying, restlessness, tremors, poor sleep, agitation, seizures, sweating, fever, poor feeding, regurgitation, diarrhea, and tachypnea. NOWS is currently diagnosed using a clinical scoring tool followed by toxicological confirmation of the presence of opioids in meconium or tissue specimens. The first-line treatments for NOWS are non-pharmacologic comfort measures. If these measures fail, neonates may be treated with opioids and/or sedatives. Since the severity of NOWS can be highly variable, it is quite difficult to predict which opioid-exposed neonates will require pharmacotherapy and prolonged hospitalization. Factors associated with maternal polysubstance use, including the use of illicit substances and tobacco, have been associated with the increased severity and duration of NOWS. Since neonates with NOWS are at increased risk for long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, ongoing monitoring beyond the neonatal period is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana N Oji-Mmuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Antoinette N Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Emma Y Wu
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca R Speer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Timothy Palmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Bardwell G, Lappalainen L. The need to prioritize research, policy, and practice to address the overdose epidemic in smaller settings in Canada. Can J Public Health 2021; 112:733-736. [PMID: 33782915 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-021-00504-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The majority of research and policy directives targeting opioid use and overdose prevention are based in larger urban settings and not easily adaptable to smaller Canadian settings (i.e., small- to mid-sized cities and rural areas). We identify a variety of research and policy gaps in smaller settings, including limited access to supervised consumption services, safer supply and novel opioid agonist therapy programs, as well as housing-based services and supports. Additionally, we identify the need for novel strategies to improve healthcare access and health outcomes in a more equitable way for people who use drugs, including virtual opioid agonist therapy clinics, episodic overdose prevention services, and housing-based harm reduction programs that are better suited for smaller settings. These programs should be coupled with rigorous evaluation, in order to understand the unique factors that shape overdose risk, opioid use, and service uptake in smaller Canadian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Bardwell
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada. .,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
| | - Leslie Lappalainen
- Department of Family Medicine, Kelowna General Hospital, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1T2, Canada.,Interior Health Authority, Mental Health and Substance Use, 505 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6V8, Canada
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41
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Abadie R, McLean K, Habecker P, Dombrowski K. Treatment trajectories and barriers in opioid agonist therapy for people who inject drugs in rural Puerto Rico. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 127:108347. [PMID: 34134865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to have positive effects, including reducing HIV and HCV transmission, but important barriers to access remain among people who inject drugs (PWID). Barriers include lack of social and familial support, bureaucracy, distance to treatment, poverty, and homelessness. However, we know little about how these barriers interact with each other to shape PWID's drug treatment access and retention. METHODS We used qualitative methods with a dataset from a study conducted during 2019 with 31 active PWID residing in rural Puerto Rico. The study gathered ethnographic data and narratives about treatment trajectories to document the lived experiences of PWID as they moved in and out of treatment. RESULTS Participants were at least 18 years old; 87.7% were male, the mean age was 44.1 years, and the mean age at first injection was 22 years. Participants identified homelessness, lack of proper ID or other identifying documents, and previous negative experiences with MOUD as the main barriers to treatment entry and retention. In addition, PWID's belief that MOUD simply substitutes an illegal drug for a legal one, while furthering drug dependence by chronically subjecting patients to treatment, constitutes an additional barrier to entry. Findings from this study demonstrate that MOUD barriers to access and retention compound and are severely affected by poverty and other forms of vulnerability among PWID in rural Puerto Rico. CONCLUSION Policies to increase access and retention should consider barriers not in isolation but as an assemblage of many factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Abadie
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 839 Old Father Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America.
| | - Katherine McLean
- Department of Administration of Justice, Penn State Greater Allegheny, 400 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15216, United States of America
| | - Patrick Habecker
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 430 Old Father Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Kirk Dombrowski
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, 72 University Place, VT 05405, United States of America
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Macmadu A, Paull K, Youssef R, Batthala S, Wilson KH, Samuels EA, Yedinak JL, Marshall BDL. Predictors of enrollment in opioid agonist therapy after opioid overdose or diagnosis with opioid use disorder: A cohort study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 219:108435. [PMID: 33310383 PMCID: PMC7855664 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicaid recipients have a high burden of opioid overdose and opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioid agonist therapies are an effective treatment for OUD, but there is a wide and persisting gap between those who are indicated and those who receive treatment. The objective of this study was to identify the predictors of enrollment in opioid agonist therapy within 6 months of an opioid overdose or OUD diagnosis in a cohort of Medicaid recipients. METHODS Using multiple linked, state-level databases, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 17,449 Medicaid recipients in Rhode Island who had an opioid overdose or an OUD diagnosis between July 2013 and June 2018. RESULTS The majority (58 %) of Medicaid recipients did not enroll in opioid agonist therapy within 6 months. In adjusted models, having one or more prior overdose (adjusted risk ratio [ARR] = 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.28, 0.38), alcohol use disorder (ARR = 0.56, 95 % CI: 0.52, 0.60), or back problems (ARR = 0.58, 95 % CI: 0.55, 0.61) were strong predictors of non-enrollment. Conversely, emergency department (ARR = 1.31, 95 % CI: 1.28-1.34) and primary care provider (ARR = 1.03, 95 % CI: 1.01-1.34) visit frequency above the 75th percentile were associated with timely enrollment in opioid agonist therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the need to enhance pathways to treatment for OUD through varied nodes of engagement with healthcare systems. Interventions to improve screening for OUD and referrals to opioid agonist therapies should include high-impact settings, such as treatment programs for alcohol and substance use disorders, pain clinics, and outpatient behavioral care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Macmadu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA; The Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, The Miriam Hospital, 8 Third Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kimberly Paull
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island, Cranston, RI, USA
| | - Rouba Youssef
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island, Cranston, RI, USA
| | - Sivakumar Batthala
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island, Cranston, RI, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A Samuels
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jesse L Yedinak
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA.
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Socías ME, Choi J, Lake S, Wood E, Valleriani J, Hayashi K, Kerr T, Milloy MJ. Cannabis use is associated with reduced risk of exposure to fentanyl among people on opioid agonist therapy during a community-wide overdose crisis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 219:108420. [PMID: 33342591 PMCID: PMC8006801 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing opioid overdose crisis is driven largely by exposure to illicitly-manufactured fentanyl. Preliminary observational and experimental research suggests that cannabis could potentially play a role in reducing use of prescription opioids among individuals with chronic pain. However, there is limited data on the effects of cannabis on illicit opioid consumption, particularly fentanyl, especially among individuals on opioid agonist therapy (OAT). We sought to assess the longitudinal association between cannabis use and exposure to fentanyl among people on OAT. METHODS Data were drawn from two community-recruited prospective cohorts of people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada. We used generalized linear mixed-effects modeling, adjusted by relevant confounders, to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and recent fentanyl exposure (both assessed by urine drug testing) among participants on OAT between 2016 and 2018. RESULTS Among the 819 participants on OAT who contributed 1989 observations over the study period, fentanyl exposure was common. At the baseline interview, fentanyl was detected in a majority of participants (431, 53 %), with lower prevalence among individuals with urine drug tests positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (47 vs. 56 %, p = 0.028). Over all study interviews, cannabis use was independently associated with reduced likelihood of being recently exposed to fentanyl (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio = 0.91, 95 % Confidence Interval: 0.83 - 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Participants on OAT using cannabis had significantly lower risk of being exposed to fentanyl. Our findings reinforce the need for experimental trials to investigate the potential benefits and risks of controlled cannabinoid administration for people on OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Eugenia Socías
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - JinCheol Choi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Lake
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Priest KC, Englander H, McCarty D. Hospital policies for opioid use disorder treatment: A policy content analysis and environmental scan checklist. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2021; 70:18-24. [PMID: 33667810 PMCID: PMC8127397 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hospital-based delivery of opioid agonist therapy ([OAT]; buprenorphine, methadone) is an often-overlooked component of the opioid use disorder (OUD) care continuum. Hospitals are complex clinical environments and organizational policies may inform access to care. This study aimed to identify and describe OUD-related hospital policies. METHODS We obtained policies through a purposive sampling of addiction physicians affiliated with 10 U.S. hospitals. Experts provided 25 documents that we analyzed using a framework analysis. We then assessed policy concordance with national recommendations and conducted a post-hoc synthesis to create an environmental scan checklist. RESULTS We observed two hospital policy domains, with four sub-domains, each: 1) OAT management (a. acute pain and perioperative; b. OAT continuation; c. OAT initiation; d. opioid withdrawal) and 2) security and behavioral management (a. aberrant drug use; b. patient-directed discharge; c. safety protocols; d. peripherally inserted central catheters). OAT policy concordance with national guidance varied by sub-domain. Our post-hoc synthesis resulted in a hospital policy environmental scan checklist. CONCLUSIONS Hospital policies are not a singular solution to increasing OAT access, however, in the midst of a worsening drug-related overdose crisis, we observed the divergence of policies from federal recommendations. Policies should enhance, rather than deter OAT access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C Priest
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States; School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States.
| | - Honora Englander
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States; Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Dennis McCarty
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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Dong H, Hayashi K, Fairbairn N, Milloy MJ, DeBeck K, Wood E, Kerr T. Long term pre-treatment opioid use trajectories in relation to opioid agonist therapy outcomes among people who use drugs in a Canadian setting. Addict Behav 2021; 112:106655. [PMID: 32977270 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) models are generally provided without consideration of how pre-treatment characteristics may be associated with outcome. Therefore, we aimed to first characterize longitudinal trajectories of opioid use before initiating OAT. Then we explored the impact of OAT on opioid use across these pre-treatment trajectories. METHODS Data were derived from three prospective cohort studies involving people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Latent class growth analysis was applied to identify opioid use trajectories based on individual-level observations three years before starting OAT. Multivariable generalized linear mixed model was used to examine whether engaging in OAT was associated with lower risk of illicit opioid use among participants with different pre-treatment opioid use trajectories. RESULTS 464 participants were included in the study between September 2005 and November 2018. Two pre-treatment opioid use trajectories were identified: high frequency users (246, 53.0%) and gradually increasing frequency users (218, 47.0%). We observed different strengths of association between OAT engagement and illicit opioid use among high frequency users (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.36, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.20 - 0.63) and gradually increasing frequency users (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.53 - 1.56). Unstable housing, any stimulant use, experiencing violence, drug dealing, sex work involvement, and incarceration were independently and positively associated with ongoing illicit opioid use. CONCLUSIONS Distinct pre-treatment opioid use trajectories are likely to influence treatment outcomes. Research is required to determine if tailored strategies specific to people with different pre-treatment opioid use patterns have potential to improve outcomes of OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Dong
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9 Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9 Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9 Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9 Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9 Canada; School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9 Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9 Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Canada.
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Sanvisens A, Rivas I, Faure E, Espinach N, Hernandez-Rubio A, Majó X, Colom J, Muga R. Monitoring hepatitis C virus treatment rates in an Opioid Treatment Program: A longitudinal study. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5874-5883. [PMID: 33132641 PMCID: PMC7579757 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i38.5874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are recommended for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients treated with methadone or buprenorphine.
AIM To assess HCV treatment rates in an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).
METHODS This longitudinal study included 501 patients (81.4% men, median age: 45 years; interquartile range: 39-50 years) enrolled in an OTP between October 2015 and September 2017. Patients were followed until September 2019. Data on socio-demographics, substance use, HCV infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and laboratory parameters were collected at entry. We analyzed medical records to evaluate HCV treatment. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were used to analyze the DAA treatment uptake and to identify treatment predictors.
RESULTS Prevalence of HCV and HIV infection was 70% and 34%, respectively. Among anti-HCV-positive (n = 336) patients, 47.2%, 41.3%, and 31.9% used alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine, respectively. HCV-RNA tests were positive in 233 (69.3%) patients. Twentyeight patients (8.3%) cleared the infection, and 59/308 (19.1%) had received interferon-based treatment regimens before 2015. Among 249 patients eligible, 111 (44.6%) received DAAs. Treatment rates significantly increased over time from 7.8/100 person-years (p-y) (95%CI: 5.0-12.3) in 2015 to 18.9/100 p-y (95%CI: 11.7-30.3) in 2019. In a multivariate analysis, patients with HIV co-infection were twice as likely to receive DAAs (HR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.21-3.12) than patients with HCV mono-infection. Current drug use was an independent risk factor for not receiving treatment against infection (HR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.29-0.80).
CONCLUSION HCV treatment is evolving in patients with HCV-HIV co-infection. Ongoing drug use while in an OTP might negatively impact the readiness to treat infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arantza Sanvisens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona 08916, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Rivas
- Mental Health and Addiction Service, Badalona Serveis Assistencials-BSA, Badalona 08911, Spain
| | - Eva Faure
- Mental Health and Addiction Service, Badalona Serveis Assistencials-BSA, Badalona 08911, Spain
| | - Néstor Espinach
- Mental Health and Addiction Service, Badalona Serveis Assistencials-BSA, Badalona 08911, Spain
| | - Anna Hernandez-Rubio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona 08916, Spain
| | - Xavier Majó
- Program on HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis - PCAVIHV Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona 08005, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Program on HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis - PCAVIHV Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona 08005, Spain
| | - Robert Muga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona 08916, Spain
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Aas CF, Vold JH, Skurtveit S, Lim AG, Ruths S, Islam K, Askildsen JE, Løberg EM, Fadnes LT, Johansson KA. Health-related quality of life of long-term patients receiving opioid agonist therapy: a nested prospective cohort study in Norway. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2020; 15:68. [PMID: 32883319 PMCID: PMC7469909 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Opioid dependence carries the highest disease burden of all illicit drugs. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is an evidence-based medical intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality. There is limited knowledge on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of long-term patients in OAT. This study measures HRQoL and self-perceived health of long-term patients on OAT, compares the scores to a Norwegian reference population, and assesses changes in these scores at 1-year follow up. Methods We conducted a nested prospective cohort study among nine OAT outpatient clinics in Norway. 609 OAT patients were included, 245 (40%) followed-up one year later. Data on patient characteristics, HRQoL, and self-perceived health was collected. HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D-5L, which measures five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression) on a five-point Likert scale (from “no problems” to “extreme problems”). An UK value set was applied to calculate index values (from 0 to 1) for the EQ-5D-5L and compare them to a Norwegian reference population. Self-perceived health was measured with EQ-VAS (from 0 to 100). Results Mean (standard deviation (SD)) EQ-5D-5L index value at baseline was 0.699 (0.250) and EQ-VAS 57 (22) compared to 0.848 (0.200) and 80(19) for the Norwegian reference population. There were large variations in EQ-5D-5L index values, where 43% had > 0.8 and 5% had < 0.2 at baseline. The lowest EQ-5D-5L index values were observed for female patients, age groups older than 40 years and for methadone users. At follow-up, improvements in HRQoL were observed across almost all dimensions and found significant for mobility and pain/discomfort. Mean (SD) overall index value and EQ-VAS at follow up were 0.729 (0.237) and 59 (22) respectively. Conclusion The average HRQoL and self-perceived health of OAT patients is significantly lower than that of the general population, and lower than what has been found among other severe somatic and psychiatric conditions. Around 34% had very good HRQoL, higher than average Norwegian values, and around 5% had extremely poor HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer Frode Aas
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sabine Ruths
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kamrul Islam
- Department of Social Sciences, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Economics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Hariri S, Sharafkhah M, Alavi M, Roshandel G, Fazel A, Amiriani T, Motamed-Gorji N, Bazazan A, Merat S, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. A simple risk-based strategy for hepatitis C virus screening among incarcerated people in a low- to middle-income setting. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:56. [PMID: 32795371 PMCID: PMC7427767 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00400-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is among the highest priority diseases in custodial settings; however, the diagnosis remains suboptimal among people in custody. This study aimed to validate a short survey for identifying people with HCV infection in a provincial prison in Iran. Methods Between July and December 2018, residents and newly admitted inmates of Gorgan central prison completed a questionnaire, including data on the history of HCV testing, drug use, injecting drug use, sharing injecting equipment, and imprisonment. Participants received rapid HCV antibody testing, followed by venipuncture for RNA testing (antibody-positive only). Each enrollment question (yes/no) was compared with the testing results (positive/negative). Results Overall, 1892 people completed the questionnaire, including 621 (34%) who were currently on opioid agonist therapy (OAT); 30% of participants had been tested for HCV previously. About 71% had a history of drug use, of whom 13% had ever injected drugs; 52% had ever shared injecting equipment. The prevalence of HCV antibody and RNA was 6.9% (n = 130) and 4.8% (n = 90), respectively. The antibody prevalence was higher among people on OAT compared to those with no history of OAT (11.4% vs. 4.0%). History of drug use was the most accurate predictor of having a positive HCV antibody (sensitivity: 95.2%, negative predictive value: 98.9%) and RNA testing (sensitivity: 96.7%, negative predictive value: 99.5%). The sensitivity of the drug use question was lowest among people with no OAT history and new inmates (87% and 89%, respectively). Among all participants, sensitivity and negative predictive value of the other questions were low and ranged from 34 to 54% and 94 to 97%, respectively. Conclusions In resource-limited settings, HCV screening based on having a history of drug use could replace universal screening in prisons to reduce costs. Developing tailored screening strategies together with further cost studies are crucial to address the current HCV epidemic in low- to middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Hariri
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sharafkhah
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gholamreza Roshandel
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Fazel
- Cancer Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Nazgol Motamed-Gorji
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Bazazan
- Department of Health, Golestan State Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shahin Merat
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Nakhaeizadeh M, Abdolahinia Z, Sharifi H, Mirzazadeh A, Haghdoost AA, Shokoohi M, Baral S, Karamouzian M, Shahesmaeili A. Opioid agonist therapy uptake among people who inject drugs: the findings of two consecutive bio-behavioral surveillance surveys in Iran. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:50. [PMID: 32698875 PMCID: PMC7373839 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) uptake has been associated with multiple positive health outcomes among people who inject drugs (PWID). This study evaluated the pattern of OAT uptake among PWID in two consecutive national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys (2010 and 2014) in Iran. METHODS Data were obtained from two national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys (N2010 = 1783 and N2014 = 2166) implemented using convenience sampling at the harm reduction facilities and street venues in 10 geographically diverse urban centers across Iran. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to determine the correlates of OAT uptake for the 2014 survey, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS The prevalence of OAT uptake decreased from 49.2% in 2010 to 45.8% in 2014 (P value = 0.033). OAT uptake varied across the studied cities ranging from 0.0 to 69.3% in the 2010 survey and 3.2 to 75.5% in the 2014 survey. Ever being married (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI 1.12, 1.75), having a history of incarceration (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.16, 2.09), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sero-positivity (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.08, 2.50) were associated with OAT uptake. Conversely, PWID who reported using only non-opioid drugs (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.26, 0.71) and those who reported concurrent use of opioid and non-opioid drugs (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.51, 0.86) were less likely to uptake OAT. CONCLUSIONS Although OAT uptake among PWID in Iran is above the 40% threshold defined by the World Health Organization, there remain significant disparities across urban settings in Iran. Importantly, the OAT services appear to be serving high-risk PWID including those living with HIV and those with a history of incarceration. Evaluating service integration including mental health, HIV and hepatitis C virus care, and other harm reduction services may support the optimization of health outcomes associated with OAT across Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Nakhaeizadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
| | - Zahra Abdolahinia
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ali Akbar Haghdoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
| | - Mostafa Shokoohi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Haftbagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran.
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Crowley D, Delargy I. A national model of remote care for assessing and providing opioid agonist treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: a report. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:49. [PMID: 32680520 PMCID: PMC7366558 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00394-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health services globally are struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19. The existing global disease burden related to opioid use is significant. Particularly challenging groups include older drug users who are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. Increasing access to safe and effective opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and other harm reduction services during this pandemic is critical to reduce risk. In response to COVID-19, healthcare is increasingly being delivered by telephone and video consultation, and this report describes the development of a national model of remote care to eliminate waiting lists and increase access to OAT in Ireland. Purpose and findings The purpose of this initiative is to provide easy access to OAT by developing a model of remote assessment and ongoing care and eliminate existing national waiting lists. The Irish College of General Practitioners in conjunction with the National Health Service Executive office for Social Inclusion agreed a set of protocols to enable a system of remote consultation but still delivering OAT locally to people who use drugs. This model was targeted at OAT services with existing waiting lists due to a shortage of specialist medical staff. The model involves an initial telephone assessment with COVID-risk triage, a single-patient visit to local services to provide a point of care drug screen and complete necessary documentation and remote video assessment and ongoing management by a GP addiction specialist. A secure national electronic health link system allows for the safe and timely delivery of scripts to a designated local community pharmacy. Conclusion The development of a remote model of healthcare delivery allows for the reduction in transmission risks associated with COVID-19, increases access to OAT, reduces waiting times and minimises barriers to services. An evaluation of this model is ongoing and will be reported once completed. Fast adaptation of OAT delivery is critical to ensure access to and continuity of service delivery and minimise risk to our staff, patients and community. Innovative models of remote healthcare delivery adapted during the COVID-19 crisis may inform and have important benefits to our health system into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Des Crowley
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Ide Delargy
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
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